The Luxury Hotel Insider

The Luxury Hotel Insider:Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.

Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Nestled mid-mountain amongst the pines, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, offers ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California. The family-friendly retreat features a variety of snow activities, après ski experiences, and signature offerings, including the Marshmology program that happens nightly at the firepits with winter-themed s'mores and details about the history of marshmallows (photo below). In addition, the mountain resort announced new winter offerings and introduced Executive Chef Mark Jeffers and Pastry Chef Shawna Peterson to its culinary program. Read more below the photo. Après-Ski Programs
Offered daily by the resort fire pits from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Après-Ski Champagne Experience* features a raw bar with chef-prepared favorites including ceviche and oysters on the half shell, and Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial. The Après Yoga & Strech combines gentle movements to rejuvenate tired muscles for a day on the slopes, and the Après-Ski Recovery spa treatment is a tension relief-focused treatment for aching muscles that includes the Arnica Turmeric Joint formulas a take home gift. Continue reading below. Winter Activities
The Winter Stargazing Snowshoe Tour* is led by local star guide and poet, Tony Berendsen. Offered December 21, December 28, January 14, and February 11, guests are taken on a winter starry night snowshoe tour that includes a laser tour of constellations, telescopic viewing, educational presentation, space quiz for prizes, and a poetry reading. For families, the Winter Scavenger Hunt encourages young travelers to use a map to find hidden objects and win prizes. There's also the Where is the Bear? hide-and-seek program held daily in the living room, as well as special Ritz Kidz winter offerings. Read more below. Culinary Offerings
The Winter Vintner Dinner Series includes a four-course meal highlighting Northern California wineries, and will be held on January 12, February 9, and March 9. The resort's signature restaurant, Manzanita will also offer Sunday Brunch, plus a Skier's Lunch Buffet will be offered daily from December 19 to January 7, and on Saturdays throughout the winter season. Continue below. Check rates and availability at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe >>*Please note dates and offers were provided by The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and are subject to change at any time.

The capital city's historic Old Post Office, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, has been tranformed into a five-star luxury hotel. Overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C., offers the BLT Prime restaurant, spa, Old Post Office Museum Gallery walkway, escorted Clock Tower tours by the National Park Service, children's programs, and sumptous pet amenities. Learn more about the transformation in the article below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan.

HBA brings D.C.’s Old Post Office back as Trump Hotel

Interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates completed a historical hotel preservation project and opened the Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., formerly the Old Post Office. Working with Ivanka Trump, HBA associate Betsy Hughes and her team of interior designers and architects restored the European-style building to its original glory, creating a 263-room five-star hotel. Continue below the photo.

The 118-year-old historic and castle-like structure is located between the Capitol Building and the White House. Using the building's story as the design narrative, the space is defined by the architectural detailing of the clock tower, columns, archways and historic metal truss-work that spans the lobby. Designers used the framework as a support system for chandeliers that dot the public spaces.

The lobby faces the clock tower, reception and bar; it serves as the heart of the hotel, opening up to the nine-story atrium with glass skylights. Read more below the image.

There are 263 guestrooms, seven of them created within the previous attic space, and featuring floor-to-ceiling skylights in the roof. The former postmaster's offices were converted into four luxury suites. The largest of the group has restored wood-stained paneling, a fireplace and a reading nook in a turret. One suite is located in the clock tower with an arched window that HBA designers created a mezzanine around to keep from blocking the window. The Trump Townhouse suite has multiple stories and a private entrance from Pennsylvania Avenue.

The European-style suites have a color palette of creams, silvers and soft blues with pops of red and gold leaf trim along with crystal chandeliers. A standout feature is a canopied bed in the center of the bedroom.

Due to the historic restoration, each guestroom has a unique layout with distinct features. Arched windows on the upper floors offer views of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, while historic columns were found and restored. Large bathrooms were built along the window walls of several rooms, while turrets, eaves, dormer windows and skylights are showcased within several guestrooms.

Canvas Art Consultants, the art consultancy division of HBA, also worked with the HBA interior design team and The Trump Organization. Canvas developed a guestroom and corridor art program that pays homage to the city's history through a collection of imagery specifically assembled to reference various aspects of Washington D.C. and the Old Post Office. Visual elements include signed original watercolor renderings of the Clock Tower and renderings of gilded architectural details.

The main restaurant, BLT Prime by David Burke, is a two-story marble-clad box overlooking the lobby. The two private dining rooms have views overlooking the main arrival lobby. Two function rooms with high ceilings, original millwork and stained wood floors are found in the main building. The Lincoln Library has navy velvet drapes and Empire-style bronze pendants in one room, while the second has painted millwork, cream silk draperies and crystal chandeliers. A conference space is located in an existing building on 11th Street, the edifice of which was built as a shopping mall in the 1980s. It is now the largest luxury ballroom in Washington D.C., Presidential Ballroom, modeled after Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

Illuminate Lighting Design, the architectural lighting firm from HBA, provided lighting design for the public areas, including the Congressional Bells Museum and BLT Prime by David Burke. A standout lighting feature includes an integrated custom bar detail that illuminates restored post offices boxes as a backdrop in Benjamin Bar & Lounge, highlighting the building's history.

Saint-Barthelemy is a 25km2 island of elegance and charm - white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and cooling offshore breezes. Set on the Flamands Bay, one of the island's finest, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is home to 40 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and villas with panoramic sea views or hidden in lush gardens.

Because the happiness of the young brings joy to the old, the Alchimist staff at Cheval Blanc understand the need to stage activities to delight the youngest guests of the Maison. Upon request, the luxury resort's Ambassadors ensure the comfort of all children by providing accessories, toys, and amenities especially imagined for them. Custom-designed for promoting quality time with family, excursions can be arranged to create memorable moments for both parents and children.

PLUS, all guests making reservations through Five Star Alliance receive complimentary continental breakfast for two daily and a 50 Euro food and beverage credit per room/per stay. Also, based on availability at the time of check-in/departure, an upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out. Perk Alert!

More Below >>

Available equipment includes:
For sleeping and changing - a Baudou baby cot ensures maximum security thanks to the protective barriers and surrounding cushions; a bed cover and embroidered white sheets of seahorses and stars in the taupe and pink colors of the Maison, exclusively designed by Baudou; and a changing table with its own basket for diapers and everyday baby care products.

For on the go - a stroller with a Bugaboo Chameleon parasol whose wheels are ideal for walking comfortably on sandy beaches or the
island paths.

For meals - a rattan highchair with an upholstered seat and plastic tray that is easy to clean; a hand-sewn bib specially designed by Baudou is embroidered with seahorses and stars, courtesy of the Maison; and bowls suitable for babies.

For toys - a selection of toys for those sunny afternoons on Flamands beach.

More Below >>

Little amenities for the children: In each room and villa, children will find bathrobes adapted to their size; beach towels in the colors of the Maison are available for young guests; children also have their own pair of flip flops and slippers (sizes 31 to 34); and to lull them to sleep at night, a soft stuffed toy horse in the pink and taupe colors of the Maison, awaits children in their room.

Family Adventure
Embark on an adventurous half-day discovery of St Barts! Start the day with an energetic family breakfast in your villa or privately on the beach of the Maison. At 10 am, depart for a fun and original tour of the island, two passengers per quad, accompanied by a professional. Then head to the port of Gustavia where you board the Yellow Submarine for an adventure of discovery exploring the underwater world of St Barts. Onboard, cold soft drinks and gourmandises have been prepared for your pleasure by our Chef. Back at the Maison, enjoy a delicious seaside lunch at the Case de l'Isle Restaurant and enjoy an afternoon together relaxing on Flamands beach.

Family Snorkeling
Leave the Maison at 2 pm, towards the splendid beach of Colombier where you will discover the marine life of the island in the form of an educational and fun water course created by a professional fully dedicated to you. The program for the afternoon is one of beautiful encounters with turtles, small playful sharks and colourful fishes. After a swim, settle comfortably on the most beautiful beach in St Barts
for a quick snack prepared by Chef Yann Vinsot while your guide tells you about the beauty of the island ... This activity, ideal for young guests and their parents, is immortalized through film and photos presented on a CD and delivered later to your room.

Set directly on the Sea of Cortez, the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, is a family-friendly resort offering 10 pools, fine dining, kids and teens clubs, plus direct access to the Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club with a Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman-designed course. The beachfront property also has 6,560-square-foot spa with indoor pools, hydrotherapy circuits, and an ancient pre-Hispanic Temazcal. In addition, the property is offering all-inclusive vacation packages, starting at $399.00* per person. Continue reading below the photo.

The JW Luxury All-Inclusive Vacation Experience Includes:
￼- Buffet breakfast at the Uá Culinary Artisans from 7 am to 11am
- Lunch at Uá Culinary Artisans or Nak Grill & Bar from 12 pm to 3 pm
- Dinner at Uá Culinary Artisans or Nak Grill & Bar from 6 pm to 10 pm or (*) Dinner at Café des Artistes with special tasting menu from 6 pm to 11.00 pm from Tuesday thru Sunday, reservation is required
- Room Service, $10.00 USD service fee per delivery applies
- Lobster and Prime Cuts will have a surcharge of $15.00 USD
- Unlimited drinks, beer, house wine by the glass, from our house standard bar and all non-alcoholic beverages from 11 am to 11 pm
- Access to the Nayaa-Kot Kids Club for children from 4 to 12 years old
- 20% discount on internet connectivity
- 15% discount on Jasha Spa treatments, reservations required
- Includes all taxes & service charges

Please note: 3-Night minimum stay required. For individual reservations only, does not apply for group bookings. You may upgrade your vacation experience to the Premium Level for only $120.00 USD per per, per day, including taxes and service fees. Every person in the room must be on the JWLAIVE for all nights of stay rates displayed are for 2 adults only per room Children under 12 years old have an additional charge of $80.00 USD per day. Children from 13 - 17 years old have an additional charge of $120.00 USD per day. Extra Person over 18 years old has an additional charge of $185.00 USD per day. Foods from the Niparaya JW Bar, any items from the Auka Deli Shop, in-room movies & in-room gourmet bar along with laundry service and any other services not specifically mentioned, are not included.

Offering year-round recreational activities, the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort in Argentina's Patagonia region has an outdoor pool, moutain biking, archery, full-service spa, 18-hole golf course, five gourmet restaurants, and supervised children's programs. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and overlooking Lago Perito Moreno, the luxury property offers a variety of water sports during the summer months including canoeing, kayaking, and white water rafting. During the winter, guests receive shuttle service to the base of Mt. Catedral with skiing and snowboarding access, along with a Hospitality Lounge, snowboarding and skiing lessons, and a traditional Kandahar Restaurant. Continue reading below for a Five Star Alliance Perk.

Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance receive a $100 spa credit, welcome chocolate amenity, and VIP status. Based on availability at check-in, guests receive a complimentary room upgrade.

With its soaring red turrets and sprawling Victorian architecture, the Hotel del Coronado is an iconic California gem on America’s most beloved beach. We welcome families and beach lovers from near and far to make inDELible memories on our glittering sands. From surf camps, clambakes, and concerts in the sand to kid camps, painting by the sea, private chef dinners, and beach s’more roasts under the stars, our expansive seaside playground has something for every member of the family. The Del offers endless magical beachfront experiences unrivaled on the West Coast.

Experience the legend.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, The Del celebrates its rich 128-year history as the proud host to celebrities, royalty and beach loving families through timeless experiences that resonate with modern-day guests. Guests can select from 757 guest rooms, 28 suites, and 70 junior suites in the historic Victorian Building, the contemporary Ocean Towers and California Cabanas, or the luxurious Beach Village at The Del. Continue reading below the photo.

Rated one of the top 10 hotels in the world by USA Today, The Del offers a contemporary beachfront experience, ocean view dining, an award-winning spa, upscale shopping, and endless recreational activities. Continue reading.

Recapturing its spirit as a premier health destination, Spa at The Del is a coastal sanctuary where rhythmic ocean waves lead the way to inner tranquility. Reawaken the senses with premium, ocean-inspired spa treatments that will leave an indelible imprint on your mind, body and soul. Retreat to a terrace with its own infinity pool overlooking the Pacific or share a soothing side-by-side massage for two.

Shops at The Del offers seventeen unique shops under one roof with rare finds and nostalgic treasures - a shopping experience unparalleled in San Diego.

There's no shortage of inDELible culinary experiences at The Del’s seven restaurants and five lively lounges. With fresh seafood, the best locally sourced produce and herbs from the property’s own garden as inspiration, you can indulge your senses without ever leaving its famous sands. Indulge in epicurean adventures from fine dining at 1500 OCEAN, The Del’s signature restaurant, to al fresco dining on the umbrella-dotted patio of Shearwater to sipping boutique wines paired with wood-fired pizza at ENO. Every dining experience comes with a generous serving of beachside ambiance and ocean views. Continue reading below the photo.

Looking to plan a trip to one of the National Parks? The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located 2 miles from the park's Southern Gate. Recently renovated, the luxury hotel offers a classic mountain lodge atmosphere combined with modern and upscale amenities. There are multiple dining options, including the steakhouse Embers, Sierra Restaurant with rustic ambiance and a towering stone fireplace, and Jackalopes Bar & Grill with Sierra Pub Fare. Along with casual options such as Timberloft Pizza, Parkside Deli, and Summerdale BBQ. Continue reading below the photo.

For fun and recreation, the hotel has and indoor pool and three seasonal outdoor pools including a kid's pool with water features, an adults-only pool with a bar, and evening dive-in movies. Guests can partake in a variety of outdoor activities including archery, hiking, climbing walls, rafting, guided fly fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. After enjoying all the activities, the full-service Ascent Spa provides a variety of treatments designed to soothe and relax tired muscles after exciting adventures.

Pets are welcome at the hotel, and the family-friendly property offers the Sierra Adventure Club with supervised seasonal daytime activities for guests ages 5 to 12, along with the Kids Evening Camp with movies, arts, dinner and games.

Set along Flamands Beach, one of the prettiest stretches of beach on St. Barthélemy, Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France is a luxury boutique hotel in the Caribbean. Combining French and St. Barth's style, the resort offers La Case de L'Isle - an al fresco restaurant along the beach specializing in locally-inspired French cuisine, the Cheval Blanc Spa with outdoor treatment pavillions, children's programs, and tailor-made island experiences.

Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests that book through Five Star Alliance receive complimentary continental breakfast for two daily, and a 50 Euro food and beverage credit per stay. Also, based on availability at the time of check-in/departure, an upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out.

Just off Berkeley Square in an exclusive neighborhood close to the Bond Street designer boutiques, The Chesterfield Mayfair offers regency style and an elegant setting. For a limited time, the hotel's Butlers Restaurant is offering the "Charlie and the Afternoon Tea" service, which features a whimsical and sweet twist to traditional afternoon tea. Read more below from our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor.

Candy lovers are in for a sweet treat at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel thanks to the launch of their new afternoon tea, inspired by the Roald Dahl beloved classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Piled high with Wonka Bars, Everlasting Gobstoppers and even golden tickets, Charlie and the Afternoon Tea transports guests from London to Wonka’s very own Chocolate Factory.

Along with the treats come savory finger sandwiches and a golden ticket, granting each guest the opportunity to win prizes ranging anywhere from a two-night weekend stay in a Junior Sweet to complimentary magnums of Champagne. Every ticket is a guaranteed win, but keeping with the mystery and tradition of the Factory, tickets may only be opened on the guests’ next trip to the hotel.

And if you and your sweetie are still craving more after your time at the Chesterfield, we suggest a trip to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", the stage musical, now playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, having opened this June.

In honor of the U.S. National Parks 100th Anniversary, the Enchantment Resort is offering an “Over-the-Top Grand Canyon Adventure Package”, which includes a private helicopter ride for four people from the resort to the Grand Canyon. Ideal for families, the Sedona Resort is surrounded by natural vermillion-colored rock formations, with hiking trails, Camp Coyote kid's club, Mii amo spa, outdoor swimming pool, golf, and tennis. Read more below about this special package from our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, written by Ruthanne Terrero.

A Southwest getaway for the family should include active experiences plus some quality downtime. We say Enchantment Resort in Sedona might just fit the bill, especially with the program it's created for the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service. The “Over-the-Top Grand Canyon Adventure Package” provides for a private helicopter ride for four people to take a flight from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. When it's time to come home, a clay wrap spa treatment is included, at Enchantment's sister property, Mii amo. Which room works best for families? We're thinking it's the two-bedroom “Full Hacienda Suite,” which has a living room (think high ceilings and a fireplace) with two queen pull-down beds. If a family member likes to barbecue, a nice big deck has a built-in grill and lots of seating for the family to sit around and critique the cook. There's a kitchen inside as well and a dining room area for six. There's no arguing over who gets the best bedroom since both are masters (some with king beds, some with two queens, just ask). All told, there are plenty of private bathrooms for all, including one off the living room.

Enchantment, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has a program for children ages four to 12, which provides nature walks, pottery classes, star gazing, scavenger hunts, cooking classes and yoga. Older children and teens can also participate in tennis camp clinics. They can also take a Pink Jeep tour and visit Native American ruins in the area.

Family Dining Tip: Enchantment has two restaurants. Tii Gavo has a more casual Southwestern vibe while Che-Ah-Chi is the fine-dining venue. Reservations can be made at any time for either, but do know that both have great views of the red rock canyon. We suggest making reservations at least two weeks out for a window seat or outdoor table for optimal views.

Good to know: Families sometimes want to relax and not worry about disturbing guests around them, so, we suggest a private room at Che-Ah-Chi for parties of six to 12. Another fun option is to request in-room dining served on your private patio. Enchantment has plenty of other venues for larger groups.

Tip: Spring and summer are peak seasons at Enchantment Resort, so management recommends booking six to 12 months in advance.